SSHS Biology
Genetics and Evolution Unit Topic 3
Evolution and
Genetics
Darwin, Natural
Selection, Speciation
Topical Understanding
The theory of evolution explains both the unity and the diversity of life. Evolution explains how all living
things are linked by descent from a common ancestor over a long period of time. Natural selection can produce
changes in existing species and create new species from existing ones by accumulation of favorable adaptations.
The theory of evolution is supported by evidence from many scientific disciplines.
Essential/Probing Questions
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How is it that like begets like and yet life evolves?
Why is the theory of evolution so much more controversial than other theories (atomic theory, cell
theory, germ theory)?
Areas of Focus
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Darwin and the theory of evolution by natural selection
Evidence supporting evolution
Evolution of Populations and Speciation
Revised 1/07
SSHS Biology
Genetics and Evolution Unit Topic 3
Knowledge and Skills
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

Darwin and the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection
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Darwin’s Voyage and Observations
o Biodiversity
o Fossils
o Individuals vary within a species
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Western scientific thought – 19th century and before
o Hutton, Lyell, and geology
o Lamarck
o Malthus and population growth

Evolution by Natural Selection
o Artificial Selection
o Natural Selection
Evidence Supporting Evolution
o Fossils
o Biogeography
o Homologous structures
o Vestigial structures
o Similarities in anatomy and development
o Other lines of evidence
 Analogous structures and convergent evolution
 Paleontology and radioisotopes
 Coevolution
 Comparative biochemistry and genomics
Evolution of Populations and Speciation
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Genes and variation in evolution
o Gene pools
o Sources of genetic variation
o Single gene and polygenic traits
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Evolution as Genetic Change
o Natural selection on single gene traits
o Natural selection on polygenic traits
o Genetic drift
o Evolution vs. genetic equilibrium
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The process of speciation
o Isolating mechanisms
o Testing natural selection in nature
o Speciation in Darwin’s finches
Revised 1/07
Biology Textbook Reference
Chapter 15.1-2 pp. 368-377
Biology Textbook Reference
Chapter 15.3 pp. 378-391
Biology Textbook Reference
Chapter 16 pp. 392-415